The Popular Hill Country of Texas

Texas is a very big state, and as such, has an extensive — if not total — assortment of topography. From rugged mountains to beaches and a lot in between, you can find it in Texas, which includes the gorgeous "hill country." The lush rolling hills in the middle part of the state don't always come to mind when you think about Texas, but the region surely deserves some attention for its beauty and tradition.

The hill country is most likely one of the finest areas in the state to hike, ride bikes, or just hang out. The assortment of lush foliage and the occasional granite outcropping make it an amazing atmosphere for sightseeing. One of the most notable landmarks in this portion of the state is Enchanted Rock, a large, pink granite mountain that can be seen for quite some distance. This natural monument is now in the middle of a park detailed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great place for hiking and picnicking.

For those who enjoy hiking and scenery, Lake Georgetown is a prime vacation spot. The lake is almost entirely surrounded by a hiking trail, making it one of the longest in the state. It is not an easy hike, as the terrain is rocky and un-level. But for individuals who can deal with the trails, there are fantastic sights of the lake waiting at several spots along the way. Cactus and cedar trees line the trails, and limestone boulders appear to burst up out of nowhere from time to time.

One more attraction for outdoor lovers is the area's newest park, Berry Springs Park and Preserve. This park is set up to accommodate walkers of all ability levels, with a main paved path fronting the park, and unpaved side trails and cross-paths along the way to entice the more skilled walker. The main pathway heads both east and west from the parking lot, with "turnarounds" at both ends for individuals who want a workout without the excitement. At each of these turnarounds, though, are a series of unpaved paths and trails that go on and cut across the park.